Broncos coach fulfills promise with cross-campus horseback ride

The horseback ride was a thank you to Bronco fans for selling out Saturday's game against UNLV.

Author:
KTVB

Published:
4:49 PM MST February 2, 2018

Updated:
6:32 PM MST February 2, 2018

BOISE -- Boise State Head Basketball Coach Leon Rice channeled former coach Pokey Allen as he rode across campus on horseback Friday in a thank you to Bronco fans for selling out Saturday's game against UNLV.

It's not the first stunt Rice has completed to draw big crowds to Taco Bell Arena. After the game against San Diego State sold out earlier this season, the coach kept his promise to cross the Boise River.

"I'll do anything for these guys to help them get the fans they deserve," he said. "I want people to come out and see this team, and you're in for a heck of a game tomorrow."

Rice's Friday ride came courtesy of a horse named Max, who carried the coach down sidewalks and past academic buildings, ending in the stadium parking lot.

"That huge crowd at San Diego State made a difference, and we have a huge game tomorrow," he said. "I know how good UNLV is, and I know we're going to need everybody there."

The idea for the cross-campus ride was a nod to the late Boise State football coach Pokey Allen, who famously declared he would ride a horse down Broadway Avenue if 20,000 fans turned out at Bronco Stadium - then followed through.

As for Coach Rich, he said people are already brainstorming his next act to spur turnout.

"I'm not going to get shot out of a cannon," he said. "We've got some good ideas."

Boise State will face off against the UNLV Rebels Saturday at 6 p.m. in the Taco Bell Arena.